The Nondominant Hand as a Determinant for Performance in Large and Small Motor Tasks

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if differences exist in the efficiency with which left-handed and right-handed males and females use their non-dominant hand in the performance of large and small motor tasks. The SS, 19 right-handed females, 17 right-handed males, 15 left-handed females, and 18 left-handed males were selected from PI3 100 classes from the UW-Lacrosse. The subjects completed their testing over two days. The testing consisted of 4 tasks on which the subjects received 7 trials with the last 4 trials on each task used as raw data. The following tasks were utilized in the study: (4) Paddle Task, (2) Scoop Task, (3) Rotary Pursuit Apparatus, and (4) Groove Type Steadiness Tester. A 2-way ANOVA with 2 levels on each factor (sex X Handedness) was run for each of the 4 tasks. Differences between males and females, between right-handed and left-handed people, and handedness by sex interaction were computed for each of the 4 tasks. A significant difference was found between right-handed and left-handed subjects on the Paddle Task, with the left-handed group performing better than the right-handed group. Also, the Groove Type Steadiness Tester task showed a significant difference. The results of the Scheffeq Test indicated that left-handed females were significantly poorer than that of right-handed females and left-handed males. No significant differences were evident in the performance of the 2 remaining tasks. It was noted that the left-handed Ss showed no pattern of superiority over the right-handed a in the use of their non-dominant hand.